A Residence in France | Page 7

adverted to my own visit to the palace in his company,
an account of which I will extract, for your benefit, from my
note-book.[2]
[Footnote 2: The period referred to was in 1830.]
* * * * *
In the morning I received a note from General Lafayette, in which he
informed me that Mr. M'Lane, who is here on a visit from London, was
desirous of being presented; that there was a reception in the evening,
at which he intended to introduce the minister to England, Mr. Rives
not having yet received his new credentials, and, of course, not
appearing in matters of ceremony. General Lafayette pressed me so
strongly to be of the party, in compliment to Mr. M'Lane, that, though
but an indifferent courtier, and though such a visit was contrary to my
quiet habits, I could do nothing but comply.
At the proper hour, General Lafayette had the good nature to call and
take me up, and we proceeded, at once, for Mr. M'Lane. With this
gentleman we drove to the Palais Royal, my old brother officer, Mr.
T----, who was included in the arrangement, following in his own

carriage.
We found the inner court crowded, and a throng about the entrance to
the great staircase; but the appearance of Lafayette cleared the way, and
there was a movement in the crowd which denoted his great personal
popularity. I heard the words "_des Américains_" passing from one to
another, showing how completely he was identified with us and our
principles, in the public mind. One or two of the younger officers of the
court were at the foot of the stairs to receive him, though whether their
presence was accidental or designed, I cannot say; but I suspect the
latter. At all events the General was received with the profoundest
respect, and the most smiling assiduity.
The ante-chamber was already crowded, but following our leader, his
presence cleared the way for us, until he got up quite near to the doors,
where some of the most distinguished men of France were collected. I
saw many in the throng whom I knew, and the first minute or two were
passed in nods of recognition. My attention was, however, soon
attracted to a dialogue between Marshal Soult and Lafayette, that was
carried on with the most perfect bonhomie and simplicity. I did not hear
the commencement, but found they were speaking of their legs, which
both seemed to think the worse for wear. "But you have been wounded
in the leg, monsieur?" observed Lafayette. "This limb was a little _mal
traité_ at Genoa," returned the marshal, looking down at a leg that had
a very game look: "but you, General, you too, were hurt in America?"
"Oh! that was nothing; it happened more than fifty years ago, and _then
it was in a good cause_--it was the fall and the fracture that made me
limp." Just at this moment, the great doors flew open, and this quasi
republican court standing arrayed before us, the two old soldiers limped
forward.
The King stood near the door, dressed as a General of the National
Guards, entirely without decorations, and pretty well tricoloured. The
Queen, Madame Adelaide, the Princesses, and several of the children,
were a little farther removed, the two former standing in front, and the
latter being grouped behind them. But one or two ladies were present,
nor did I see anything at the commencement of the evening of the Ducs

d'Orléans and de Nemours.
Lafayette was one of the first that entered, and of course we kept near
him. The King advanced to meet him with an expression of pleasure--I
thought it studied--but they shook hands quite cordially. We were then
presented by name, and each of us had the honour of shaking hands, if
that can be considered an honour, which fell to the share of quite half of
those who entered. The press was so great that there was no opportunity
to say anything. I believe we all met with the usual expressions of
welcome, and there the matter ended.
Soon after we approached the Queen, with whom our reception had a
more measured manner. Most of those who entered did little more than
make a distant bow to this group, but the Queen manifesting a desire to
say something to our party, Mr. M'Lane and myself approached them.
She first addressed my companion in French, a language he did not
speak, and I was obliged to act as interpreter. But the Queen instantly
said she understood English, though she spoke it badly, and begged he
would address her in his own tongue. Madame Adelaide seemed more
familiar with our language. But the conversation was necessarily short,
and not worth repeating.
Queen Amélie is a woman of a